Why was I prescribed compression stockings for varicose veins? I only went for treatment for cosmetic reasons - they cause me no medical problems.

I only want my varicose veins treated for cosmetic reasons. Compression stockings look more unattractive in short shorts and short dresses than the veins themselves, so what's the point?

Answers from doctors (2)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Apr 15, 2021

Were the stockings prescribed to be worn after sclerotherapy? After sclerotherapy - even if done for cosmetic reasons - compression stockings can accelerate the body's absorption - and removal - of the treated veins by minimizing the amount of residual blood remaining in the veins after treatment.

Were the stockings prescribed prior to any treatment? If you are not having any symptoms and only want veins treated for cosmetic reasons, you do not require compression stockings and do not require any additional - usually unnecessary - treatment such as vein ablation, especially if the Saphenous Veins are not insufficient.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Were the stockings prescribed to be worn after sclerotherapy? After sclerotherapy - even if done for cosmetic reasons - compression stockings can accelerate the body's absorption - and removal - of the treated veins by minimizing the amount of residual blood remaining in the veins after treatment.

Were the stockings prescribed prior to any treatment? If you are not having any symptoms and only want veins treated for cosmetic reasons, you do not require compression stockings and do not require any additional - usually unnecessary - treatment such as vein ablation, especially if the Saphenous Veins are not insufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 18, 2019

Compression stockings will not make VV's resolve. If you have many VV's, then you should have a venous duplex ultrasound to find the source of the veins which can then be treated by multiple options. However, if you want your veins to possibly be covered by insurance, then you will need to do at least a 3 month trial of support hose.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings will not make VV's resolve. If you have many VV's, then you should have a venous duplex ultrasound to find the source of the veins which can then be treated by multiple options. However, if you want your veins to possibly be covered by insurance, then you will need to do at least a 3 month trial of support hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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